Alice’s Tree stands strong
Ten years ago, the future of one of Christ Church’s most famous trees looked uncertain. Following a series of major limb failures, specialists were called in to assess the condition of the veteran Horse Chestnut in the Deanery Garden, better known as Alice’s Tree.
Today, after almost a decade of careful conservation, a new survey has brought welcome news. Although the tree is continuing to age naturally, arborists have found signs of good vitality and a denser upper canopy, suggesting that the long-term management programme is helping to extend its life.
The tree, thought to be around 300 years old, is closely associated with Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Tradition holds that its distinctive shape inspired the Cheshire Cat, making it one of Christ Church’s best-known trees.
Head Gardener Steve Howes said: ‘I’m delighted that our arboriculturist, Nick Dunbar of The Whole Tree Company, has confirmed that Alice’s Tree is showing signs of good vitality. This Horse Chestnut is an important part of Christ Church’s history, and we’re doing everything we can to preserve it for future generations.’
Concern for the tree’s future grew after major limb failures in 2016. Rather than opting for more drastic measures, Christ Church adopted a long-term conservation strategy, working with veteran tree specialist Neville Fay to improve the tree’s condition while recognising that an ancient tree cannot – and should not – be restored to how it looked decades ago.
The work has included carefully reducing the weight of vulnerable branches, improving the soil around the tree, protecting its root system and monitoring its condition over time. Together, these measures have helped reduce the stresses placed on the tree while allowing it to continue its natural ageing process.
Steve, who became Head Gardener in 2025, is continuing the conservation programme established under his predecessor, John James. The latest recommendations include installing additional protection around the tree’s root zone, carrying out carefully supervised dead-wooding and undertaking ecological surveys before work begins on parts of the tree that may provide roosts for bats.
The survey also highlights the importance of balancing conservation with public safety. While further work is recommended, there is no suggestion that the tree should be removed. Instead, the latest findings indicate that the management approach adopted over the past decade is achieving exactly what it set out to do: helping one of Christ Church’s most significant trees remain part of the College landscape for many years to come.
Steve added: ‘While Alice’s Tree continues to age gracefully, we’re fortunate to have one of its offspring growing nearby in the Deanery Garden. It was propagated by my predecessor, John James, and the Gardens Team, and is growing well alongside its parent. I’d like to thank everyone who has contributed to preserving this remarkable tree over the years, and I hope it continues to show signs of vitality for many years to come.’
All of Christ Church’s gardens and Christ Church Meadow lie within the Grade I landscape included in the English Heritage Register of Historic Parks and Gardens of special historic interest in England. Learn more about our green spaces.
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